Originating from Chicago, IL, Charles "Rick" Heath IV is a versatile and renowned musician from local to international levels. Playing anything from Jazz and Blues, to Gospel and Latin music, his signature is prominent in the recording studios, concert settings and currently live Broadway theater platforms. Some of his proudest accolades include works with Donald Byrd, McCoy Tyner, Slide Hampton, and playing with the national tour of Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones' theater production of "The Color Purple". He is often rotating hats of composer, band leader, recording artist, music directior, producer and teacher and simply inspires and outreaches to his surrounding communities at all times.
Mr. Heath began his musical journey as a drummer very early in life. It was said his mother would sit by the drums in church during the time she was expecting, and she said "when the drums started kicking, he started kicking and when they stopped he stopped". After being born Charles would beat on anything he could get his hands on. Charles took no prisoners as he destroyed spoons, forks, combs and brushes to make music.He stared grabbing attention back in his grammar school days by winning countless local talent shows and moved along to begin working professionally in Chicago already by the age of 14. He then carried on to Shaw University in North Carolina attaining a degree in Music Performance while on full scholarship. There he started his first quartet entitled "Touch of Jazz" and performed at local political events and private parties and was blessed to be featured on WSHA Radio station in Raleigh, N.C.
Upon his return back to Chicago from college graduation, Mr. Heath was quick to start playing and collaborating with Chicago Jazz Legends such as Von Freeman, Ken Chaney Xperience, Malachi THompson, Robert "Baabe" Irving III and was even a part of a documentary of the legendary Oscar Brown Jr. His talents have been showcased at renowned venues and events such as the Chicago Jazz Festival, The African Arts Festival, Dayton Ohio Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Showcase, Birland (Edmonton, Canada), Blue Note (Poland), the Hot House, the Green Mill, the Back Room Chicago, the South Shore Jazz Festival and the Hyde Park Jazz Festival (showcasing his collaboration with Chicago's tap dance prodigy Jumaane Taylor).
He recorded with musicians and projects such as Zvonimir Tot's "Blue Quest" with Larry Gray, Sergio Perez's "No Passport Required" with Bobby Broom, and projects also with the Ken Chaney Xperience and Roger Harris Trio. He proudly launched his first independent recording project entitled "Conversations" encompassing the sound of his very own Charles Heath Quartet.
Mr. Heath has also touched the lives of many of his students as a renowned teacher and has opened many doors outreaching to underpriviledged youth. He has implemented the music program at Ruggles Elementary School and developed a "Say No To Drugs" Drumline having the youth perform at a local now annual "Say No To Drugs" parade. He's implemented a marching band for the Alain Locke Charter school and produced a concert where he was able to raise $10,000 for the school to purchase instruments for the childern. He has taught at South Shore High School, Kellar Middle School and taught private lessons for troubled African American males at the New Direction Outreach Center.
Charles "Rick" Heath IV is continuously breaking barriers in his career as a musician, mentor, and humanitarian. He is always leading with a cutting edge approach with a passionate heart and proffesional class. Stay tuned for more concerts, recordings, and educational programs through www.charlesheathondrums.com.